Like many soluble fibers, Glucomannan can bind with a variety of substances in the digestive tract to slow digestion, relieve constipation and reduce the absorption of fat and carbohydrates. So Glucomannan is often used in products intended to reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as blood sugar.

Glucomannan is popular because of its ability to suppress appetite. It has been scientifically proved that supplementing with Glucomannan enhances the weight-loss effects of a calorie-restricted diet. Moreover, Glucomannan may promote weight loss even in the absence of a calorie-restricted diet! When obese adults consumed 1 gram of glucomannan fiber 1 hour before each meal for 8 weeks, they manage to lose an average of 5.5 pounds of body weight. It’s important to underline that it happened with no other changes to their eating or exercise patterns.

How does glucomannan works? First of all it creates a feeling of  fullness thanks to its water-binding effects. Besides glucomannan creates a thick gel. And it helps to delay gastric emptying and slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream, which helps to lower levels of insulin and blood glucose.

Actually glucomannan works like most high-fiber foods. It appears to help weight loss by occupying space in the stomach and decreasing hunger and curbing food cravings. This property is what has led several supplement companies to use it in their weight loss formulas.

You can easily find several good, low-priced glucomannan-based weight loss supplements available at most health food stores. You can also order one of them online.

Although the studies found glucomannan to be well tolerated, there are some possible side effects. They include increased bowel movement, gas and bloating, diarrhea, feeling full and upset stomach.

Other herbal products for weight loss

• Acai berry extract
• Pure hoodia gordonii pills